Good news for single parents in Spain: a regional court just ruled that they should get the same amount of paid leave as couples. This decision is a big win for fairness and could change the game for one-parent families across the country.

The ruling comes after Spain’s constitutional court said it’s unfair to treat babies from single-parent families differently. The court argued that every newborn needs the same level of care, no matter their family setup. Now, single parents can claim up to 32 weeks of paid leave—double what’s usually available to each parent in a couple.

Here’s how it works: couples in Spain get six mandatory weeks of leave together, plus an extra 10 weeks each, totaling 16 weeks per parent. For a solo parent playing both roles, that adds up to 32 weeks of paid time off. The regional court in Murcia made the first ruling based on this new interpretation, and experts say it sets a precedent for others to follow.

Social rights minister Pablo Bustinduy called the decision “excellent news” and a win for civil rights activists who’ve pushed for this change for years.

This move could make life a lot easier for single parents juggling work and childcare. It’s a step toward recognizing that all families deserve equal support, no matter their size or structure.

What do you think? Should more countries follow Spain’s lead? Let us know your thoughts!